United’s first Boeing 787-9 rolls out

New 252-seat aircraft to be deployed on LA-Melbourne route

New 252-seat aircraft to be deployed on LA-Melbourne route

United Airlines’ first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has rolled out of the factory, ahead of its delivery this summer.

The new aircraft will become the first of 26 B787-9s delivered to United over the coming years, as part of a total commitment for 65 Dreamliners.

United’s B787-9 will be configured with 252 seats – 48 in business class, 88 in premium economy and 116 in economy. It will initially be deployed on the trans-Pacific route between Los Angeles and Melbourne, with six weekly flights commencing in October 2014.

“The 787-9 is an amazing aircraft that builds on the 787-8’s proven fuel efficiency, performance and customer comfort,” said Ron Baur, United’s vice president of fleet. “We are excited to add the 787-9 to our Dreamliner fleet as it gives us even more flexibility and range to capitalise on our extensive worldwide route network.”

The B787-9 is 6.1 metres longer than the B787-8 and can fly up to 15,200km. Like the B787-8 it will be one of the most fuel-efficient wide-body jets in the skies today, burning 20% less fuel than similar-sized aircraft.

Boeing has taken orders for 405 B787-9s, with the first aircraft due to enter service with Air New Zealand this summer.